RIYADH: World No. 1 Jannik Sinner triumphed in a hard-fought battle against World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping final at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, winning 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3 to claim the $6 million prize. 

This encounter further established their rivalry, one of the most exciting in men’s tennis today.

From the outset, both players displayed incredible shot-making and court coverage. Alcaraz’s explosive backhand and Sinner’s powerful forehand kept the first set finely balanced, with each player trading deep, penetrating groundstrokes.

The two battled to a 5-5 tie before Alcaraz edged out Sinner in a tense tiebreaker, 7-6(5), using his superior net play and deft touch to take the set. The crowd roared with every baseline rally, as each point saw both players stretch their limits.

Sinner came back stronger in the second set, adjusting his tactics by stepping inside the baseline and dictating points with his forehand. He broke Alcaraz early, using consistent, flat strokes and deep returns to pin the Spaniard back. 

Alcaraz fought back with several blistering backhands, narrowing the score to 3-2, but Sinner’s relentless pressure saw him secure the second set 6-3, capitalizing on Alcaraz's unforced errors in crucial moments.

In the final set, both players showcased their fierce competitiveness, exchanging powerful serves and cross-court winners. They were level at 3-3 when Sinner’s aggressive play—marked by precision serves and sharp angles—allowed him to break Alcaraz’s serve at a pivotal moment. 

As the match progressed, Sinner’s depth and control of the rallies wore down his opponent, giving him a 5-3 lead. He sealed the victory with a perfectly placed forehand winner down the line, ending a dramatic contest.

This showdown between Sinner and Alcaraz is already being compared to some of tennis's great rivalries, including Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. Djokovic himself remarked, "They’re pushing each other just like I did with Nadal and Federer," highlighting how their fierce competition is elevating the level of men's tennis.

Sinner’s triumph in Riyadh cements his position as the world’s top player, but with Alcaraz close behind, their rivalry is expected to dominate the sport for years to come. 

Their frequent encounters, filled with high-octane tennis, have created a dynamic that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats for the foreseeable future.
 

RIYADH: ESL FACEIT Group has announced the launch of the ESL Saudi Challenge, the first-ever ESL tournament exclusively for the Saudi gaming community.

Starting on Oct. 18 with Overwatch 2 as the featured game, the event will provide a unique opportunity for local talent to compete on the global stage.

Running until Dec. 7, it will see Saudi’s top teams battle for a share of a $20,000 prize pool. The competition begins with three open tournaments hosted on the FACEIT platform, with the top two teams from each securing a playoff place. These will join two invited teams in an intense double-elimination showdown, culminating in a thrilling final at VOV Gaming in Riyadh.

“The ESL Saudi Challenge is more than just a tournament — it’s the beginning of a new chapter for esports in Saudi Arabia,” said Franck Guignery, ESL FACEIT Group’s senior vice president for the Middle East & Africa region.

“By featuring Overwatch 2 and providing a pathway to international competition, we’re offering Saudi esports enthusiasts a chance to showcase their skills on a global stage. Whether you’re an aspiring esports player, a professional player or a fan, this is your chance to be part of the action and witness the rise of local talent.”

ESL FACEIT Group is the world's largest esports and video game entertainment company. In January 2022 it was acquired by Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, which is 100 percent owned by the country's Public Investment Fund, for $1.5 billion. ESL FACEIT Group has been appointed the main official operating partner of the Esports World Cup for the next five years.